Accepting Those Who Are Different From Me

Gracious God, it's sometimes hard for me to understand or accept or love those who are different from me. I find myself wanting to change them so that they fit my accepted patterns.  I know that the difference between us need not separate us, but my lack of understanding makes me want to stay within the safety of my own perceptions rather than embrace what seems foreign.  Give me curiosity of mind so that I am open to the perspectives that others can offer me.  Help me see the similarities that bind us together.  Give me the courage to freely enter their experience in order to find you in a surprising new way.  I  ask this for the sake of your love.  Amen.